When it comes to archery equipment, opinions are as abundant as noxious weeds. To me, archery is often more of an art than a science. While executing a precise shot requires both mental and physical discipline, what truly matters is what “feels” right in that intense moment when your heart pounds and you need to stealthily draw back your bow for the perfect shot. Distractions can make or break the experience.
Years ago, I was spot-and-stalk bowhunting for bears in Montana. I had spotted a big boar up in a steep avalanche chute, and after crossing a creek and crawling through dense timber and downfall, I reached the elevation where I had last seen him. I took a moment to compose myself before easing toward an emerald green meadow from the dark timber. Suddenly, a bear appeared inside bow range, walking rapidly toward me. By the time he was at 20 steps, I had nocked an arrow and was carefully maneuvering out from under overhanging limbs to draw without noise. Unbeknownst to me, I had inadvertently applied pressure to my nocked arrow with my release, causing it to unclip from the string. Imagine my shock when I began drawing my bow, only to have the arrow fall harmlessly into my full capture rest just as the bear turned broadside behind a tree.
In an instant, I transitioned from “cool, calm, and collected” to “oh crud, I’m about to mess up a perfect opportunity.” I quickly and quietly re-nocked the arrow and drew back again. Unfortunately, instead of settling in and executing a controlled shot, I smashed the trigger just as my pin found the black hair of his armpit, sending my arrow harmlessly past him. If you’ve bowhunted, you know that when your brain shifts into panic mode, bad things happen.
In my experience, panic mode is triggered by last-minute variables. Some of the most frequent culprits include:
To minimize these variables, I take deliberate steps to streamline my process. One of my most significant adjustments has been my choice of rangefinder. While I carry both a rangefinding binocular and a handheld rangefinder, I rely on the handheld in critical moments.
WHY I PREFER A HANDHELD RANGEFINDER FOR BOWHUNTING
1. Minimized Movement – Using a rangefinding binocular requires more movement as I have to bring it from my chest to my eyes. In contrast, my handheld rangefinder is on a short tether around my neck, requiring only a small movement from my clavicle to my eyes. While this difference may seem minor, in bowhunting, inches and yards matter.
2. Noise Reduction – Despite my best efforts, I have yet to find a truly silent bino harness. Every time I remove or replace my binos, they create some noise. Any unexpected sound triggers my “oh crud” meter, adding unnecessary stress and increasing the risk of mistakes.
3. Optimal Focus – Most bowhunting rangefinder readings are within 100 yards. At these close distances, binoculars require precise focus adjustment to identify critical details, such as a branch in front of the target or a patch of exposed hide. With my setup, I keep my binoculars focused for longer ranges and my handheld rangefinder adjusted for close-quarters use, ensuring I can get an accurate reading without delay.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While rangefinding binoculars are excellent tools that I carry on every hunt, I prefer to use them as a backup rather than my primary ranging method. Instead, I rely on a handheld rangefinder mounted on a comfortable neck strap with a short tether. I still frequently transport the handheld in my bino harness, but as the moment of truth approaches, I make sure that the rangefinder is in position around my neck for stealthy use. This setup minimizes movement, reduces noise, and provides reliable focus when it matters most.
For those looking for a quality hand-held rangefinder, my budget-friendly recommendation is the Vortex Viper HD 3000. However, my personal favorite is the Vortex Razor HD 4000 as it performs better in low-light conditions, making it an invaluable asset during dawn and dusk hunts. Either way, our gear store, Gearfool.com, has various options.
At the end of the day, the right equipment helps me stay composed and execute the perfect shot. For me, that means keeping my rangefinder simple, accessible, and quiet because in bowhunting, every inch and every second matters.